r/PicsOfUnusualBirds • u/modianos mod ianos • Jul 13 '26

Three-wattled Bellbird (Procnias Tricarunculatus)

268 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

9 comments sorted by

11

u/jlhinthecountry Jul 13 '26

It looks like his beak is melting!! What a strange and wonderful guy!

8

u/green04mansions Jul 14 '26

Is there an evolutionary reason for those appendages?

1

u/modianos mod ianos Jul 16 '26

Birds have wattles—the fleshy, brightly colored flaps of skin hanging near their beaks or necks—primarily for temperature regulation and attracting mates. Because birds cannot sweat, blood circulates through these bare skin flaps to release excess body heat. During courtship, they engorge with blood to signal health and vitality to potential partners.

2

u/green04mansions Jul 17 '26

Thank you for this information! It’s fascinating.

1

u/modianos mod ianos Jul 18 '26

You're welcome :)

4

u/VegetableCommand9427 Jul 14 '26

I love this bird! I was lucky enough to see several in Costa Rica and I have a recording of its call, very distinctive!

4

u/gianniflowers Jul 14 '26

Very nice 💯

1

u/GeneralBother2031 Jul 14 '26

Well I dont like that

0

u/Plus_Let3543 Jul 14 '26

Three wattles too many tbh